Your Identity and The Power of Labels

As the title suggests, today we’re going to analyze our self-identity and the power of labels. Before we dive in, I’d just like to say thank you for taking the time to read this article. I know you’re very busy, so I’ll keep this one as practical and concise as possible!

So let’s discuss…

Like you, I was constantly being labeled growing up. I wasn’t entirely conscious of it at the time, but I remember hearing things like: “Alan… you’re really smart, but you lack common sense” or “You’re great at math, but writing isn’t your strong suit”. As true as those statements might’ve appeared at the time; did they really encapsulate who I was, or did they become self-fulfilling prophecies once I accepted them as such?

Personally, I choose to believe the latter. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of self-fulfilling is as follows: Becoming real or true because it was predicted or expected. A powerful quote, both true and profound says it best:

“It’s impossible to consistently behave in a manner inconsistent with how we see ourselves.” — Zig Ziglar

Out of the ignorance that often comes with childhood… I allowed others to define me. I specifically remember not only accepting those labels as true, but I actually began regurgitating those same statements on a regular basis…

As nature has taught us, human’s energy inevitably flows toward their perceived strengths; so to no surprise, I never even worked on my writing skills or having more common sense. Due to the power of self-identity: I lived the majority of my life as a crappy writer with no common sense; who, by the way, is awesome at math!

Here’s the truth… We are what we decide to be!

Don’t get me wrong… I’m not saying to be delusional. We shouldn’t ignore the obvious signs and facts of life. If you’re not 6 feet tall, don’t go around town saying it to yourself and others until you sprout longer legs. What I’m saying is this: Let’s not be so quick to label ourselves. Next time someone tries to tell us what we are or are not, let’s take a moment and consult the facts. Let’s think long and hard about what this might mean for our future; and most importantly, for our self-esteem.

Two years ago, I permanently swapped out a bad label for a good one. I was in awful health at only 160lbs and 6'2", and I struggled constantly with alcohol after college… One day, something struck me (literally, but that’s another story), and I decided to change my self-label from alcoholic to bodybuilder!

So many people; including many of my closest friends, laughed right in my face for that… They’d say in a sarcastic voice, “Oh what… You’re a bodybuilder now. You go to the gym for two weeks and suddenly you’re a bodybuilder!?”. I didn’t take it personally… I knew that they just didn’t understand the concepts that I’m sharing with you now…

I made a decision that day. It wasn’t their responsibility to protect and uphold my identity. It was mine. It was my label, and my new identity… Period. Every thought, action, and behavior since then has been peppered with the self-notion that I am a bodybuilder. Why? Because I said I am!

Above is an image of the physical and mental transformation that resulted, and I’m very pleased to announce that no one really questions me on that label anymore!

So it’s here that I leave you… A once 160lb alcoholic with no common sense who can’t write to save his life.

A few quick questions though before I go:

• What have you allowed people to tell you about yourself over the years, and how long ago was it?
• Are those things really true, or did they only appear true at that particular time and under those specific circumstances?
• If they were true; are they still, and do they have to remain that way?
• Which of those labels have helped enhance your life, and which were detrimental?

And lastly… A personal favorite saying of mine is: “We must know better to do better”. Now that you know, who are you going to decide to be from now on!?

It’s up to you!

I hope you enjoyed this article. Please reach out any time on any of the social media platforms or via email with any questions/concerns. I’d love to connect with you soon; and as always, keep chasing the greater you!